Debra Shier, Ph.D., is a scientist in the Applied Animal Ecology Division of the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. For the last 17 years, she has studied the application of behavioral ecology to conservation with an emphasis on captive breeding/reintroductions and translocations in small mammals. She received a bachelor's degree in biopsychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a master's degree in biology from San Francisco State University, and a master's and a doctorate in animal behavior with an emphasis on wildlife conservation from the University of California, Davis.

The very first Pacific pocket mouse pup born at our facility was born on Tuesday, June 11! Right away, the female covered her nest jar and tube entrance with sand, creating a dark and warm environment for her pup. read more ›

They’re here! On July 20, we transferred the first critically endangered pocket mice to the new Pacific Pocket Mouse Conservation Breeding Facility, located in an off-exhibit area at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. read more ›

After nearly five years of proposals and planning, tonight we begin our trapping effort to bring the first Pacific pocket mouse (PPM) founders into managed care for conservation breeding. I am both exhausted and excited! read more ›

Photo of the Month

Intensity

by Dwayne Andrejczuk

Twitter

Who We Are

San Diego Zoo Global is an international conservation organization that has been saving species for over 95 years. We are experts in scientifically based breeding, conservation, and reintroduction programs for endangered species.